Being worried about people catching you wearing the same clothes may be an outdated belief—one rooted in always presenting the best versions of ourselves. I used to be scared to repeat outfits because there are people who love clothes so much that they notice your outfits. But later on, I realized that these people do not always mean harm, they just have a good memory of what people have worn.
And in this day and age, being smart about your financial (and outfit shopping) decisions is the most “fashionable” way to live.
Check out the COST-PER-WEAR FORMULA
This is an idea I always think of when purchasing any item. How many times can I wear this? Can this piece last for more than a few years before it tears or before I tire of it?
Here’s how I compute how to maximize each penny spent on every item in TWO ways:
The basic computation of COST-PER-WEAR includes:
Item COST ÷ number of times you wear the item or have worn it = present cost-per-wear
For example:
You bought a dress for Php 2000 and from the moment you bought it, you’ve worn it 20 times.
Php 2000 / 20 times worn = Php 100 cost-per-wear.
How much do you think is the cost-per-wear in order for you to say the clothes are already “nasulit” (aka if you have made the most out of the piece)?
Item COST ÷ your ideal cost-per-wear = how many times you should wear it
For example, you believe that you have maximized your Php 2000 dress if you have worn it for a Php 50 cost-per-wear, here is the computation:
Php 2000 / 50 Php cost-per-wear = 40 times worn
This means you have to wear it 40 times to make sure you’ve maximized the cost.
How does a clothe’s value go up after it was worn?
Its value rarely goes up.
Once you’ve taken the clothes off the shop’s rack and have worn it, their value depreciates.
However, there are some instances where the value CAN go up:
Limited edition piece of a luxury/popular brand
Some brands purposely create only a few pieces of an item. They create hype around its scarcity and retail value to entice people into thinking the item is worth it.
The person who wore the item is or was popular or significant
You have probably heard of Kim Kardashian wearing clothes worn by Marilyn Monroe. Recently, it’s been reported that she now owns some pieces owned by Princess Diana. The resell value of clothes worn by (pop culture) icons can go sky-high.
Unless you and I become a luxury brand owner or a very significant person, our clothes will not resell at higher than the original price.
What to look for in clothes
Consider clothes as things you buy new and expensive and their value goes down the more it is worn. If a clothing piece is expensive, check for the quality. Some brands may be popular but their material may not last long from the wear-and-tear.
Check for these things when buying clothes:
Is it made from comfy and high-quality material?
is the design fit for your style? Some trends are cool but if you can’t wear them on repeat, are you getting value for your money?
Can you mix and match it to create your capsule wardrobe?
Be Smart with your Wardrobe
Capsule wardrobes are popular these days. This is a collection of several pieces that you can wear with each other on the rotation.
Its benefits include:
An organized wardrobe
Sustainability
You maximize cost-per-wear
How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe
Decide on a theme or activity where the wardrobe will revolve
(You can go for a pastel-themed wardrobe or a sport-athleisure wardrobe)
Shop for versatile pieces
You can buy from stores, online shops, or pre-loved shops.
I often find good pieces from TRENDY STYLE CLOTHING's Facebook page (they are based in Bulacan but can ship nationwide).
Store the items properly so you can donate or resell them once you need to upgrade your wardrobe.
Example Wardrobe Pieces:
THEM: Girl Boss work-to-weekend (office-ready outfits you can also wear on casual trips!)
Some items are for sale!
If you have unknowingly accumulated a lot of clothes and accessories, here is how you can declutter and earn money from selling your clothes!
Online Selling
Take pictures of your product on a white background and when worn. Post it online or do live selling. Wash them, too. Then, ship it out.
Rent it out
This is a good idea for unique pair of pants (latex, leather, colorful, etc), gowns, and various outerwear (winter jackets, coats, and more).
Sell in bulk
Look for ukay-ukay owners who buy clothes by kilo.
You can also always donate if you want to make more room in your wardrobe!
It’s been years since my parents have asked me to declutter our stuff. In January, we have put it in motion.
If you also need help starting your capsule wardrobe or cost-per-wear journey, feel free to send me a message, and let’s see how you can earn from your pieces with quick coaching!
About France Afulugencia
Coach France is a Sun Life Macaulay Club member (Sun Life's elite advisors all over the country). A personal finance advocate, she dreams of helping clients achieve their personal goals through habit building. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas and worked as a senior marketing and public relations associate before being a full-time financial advisor.
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